President Lee Jae-myung and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong agreed to establish a 'strategic partnership' between the two countries and deepen cooperation in economic and security fields during a summit on the 2nd. The two leaders signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to strengthen cooperation in advanced technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI).

President Lee stated in a joint press release after the summit with Prime Minister Wong at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, that "the international order, which has supported global growth and prosperity, is shaking, and in the face of global challenges such as climate change and transnational crime, strategic cooperation between the two countries is important," adding, "Based on this shared recognition, the Prime Minister and I have established a strategic partnership between our two countries."

President Lee explained, "Going forward, based on the strategic partnership, the two countries will respond to the changing economic and security environment, while further strengthening cooperation in advanced technology and expanding human exchanges."

Regarding security cooperation, he said, "We have decided to further expand joint research on defense technology. In addition, I expressed our willingness to actively cooperate and participate in Singapore's diversification of defense materials," adding, "To eradicate transnational crimes like online scams, the two countries, equipped with advanced digital and financial infrastructure, will strengthen policy cooperation and law enforcement collaboration."

The two countries also agreed to work on revitalizing regional trade and investment through the Korea-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) improvement and the Korea-Singapore FTA, President Lee stated. Notably, the summit reached an agreement for the first time on exporting Jeju beef and pork to Singapore.

President Lee mentioned, "Singapore is known for its strict quarantine measures," and expressed, "With this agreement, we expect the global market entry of our excellent agricultural products to become more active."

The two leaders exchanged four documents on the day, including an MOU on digital cooperation, an MOU on cultural and sports cooperation, an MOU on green and digital maritime route establishment cooperation, and an MOU on personnel administration and cooperation.

President Lee stated, "Based on the 'Digital Cooperation MOU' signed this time, the two countries will activate joint research on advanced technologies such as AI and exchanges between companies," and expressed hope that "this will further accelerate the formation of an advanced industry ecosystem in both countries."

He continued, "Based on the 'Green and Digital Maritime Route Establishment Cooperation MOU,' the two countries, as logistics and maritime powerhouses, plan to lead eco-friendly and digital shipping."

In the cultural and sports sectors, President Lee expressed, "I hope that Singapore, as a global financial and investment hub, will expand investment in Korea's promising SMEs and K-content, achieving joint growth in innovative industries," and pledged, "With the establishment of a strategic partnership, the governments of both countries will provide institutional support to facilitate more active exchanges in various fields such as culture, arts, tourism, education, and sports."

Additionally, he expressed gratitude, stating, "The Prime Minister has fully supported our government's efforts for a new era of peaceful coexistence and joint growth on the Korean Peninsula."

In the summit with Prime Minister Wong, President Lee previously stated, "It is truly meaningful that we have established a strategic partnership this time," and expressed, "I have wondered why Korea and Singapore did not establish a strategic partnership earlier."

He emphasized, "It would be great for the two countries, leading advanced industries and innovation in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia respectively, to come together and create a truly shining strategic partnership."

Prime Minister Wong responded, "As you mentioned, I also wonder why the elevation to a strategic partnership has only now been realized," prompting President Lee to laugh.

During the official luncheon following the summit, the two leaders are expected to discuss practical cooperation measures in various fields.

Considering Prime Minister Wong's fondness for the rich seafood dishes of Singapore's famous hawker centers, the luncheon will feature dishes showcasing the charm of Korean cuisine with fresh local seafood and seasonal ingredients, conveying warm hospitality.

The luncheon menu begins with unique bite-sized items such as a Korean sauce made by blending all the ingredients of bibimbap, known as yeon doenjang mayo, which itself tastes like 'bibimbap.' This is followed by mild seafood sashimi with chili sauce and grilled Jeju hairtail with savory soybean paste and pollack roe sauce.

The toast drink for the luncheon is a non-alcoholic cocktail called Golden Bae, made with Naju pears from Jeollanam-do, considering Singapore's reputation as a globally trusted hub for gold trading and financial networks.

For dessert, a sweet persimmon cake with Singapore's signature kaya jam will be served. The cake will be decorated with elements of the national flags of both countries, symbolizing the enduring friendship and goodwill between Korea and Singapore.

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